Rescued hostage Ingrid Betancourt says the military operation that freed her from Colombian rebels was “absolutely impeccable” and took her completely by surprise.

The 46-year-old Betancourt says the 15 hostages had no idea that helicopters they thought were taking them to another rebel camp were in fact piloted by military intelligence agents.

Betancourt told Colombian army radio on Wednesday that “they got us out grandly” and not a shot was fired.

Three U.S. military contractors and 11 Colombian police and soldiers were also freed.